Genesis 35:20 Meaning and Explanation
“And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jacob places a pillar over Rachel's grave as a memorial, and it marks her burial place to the present day.
The Context of Genesis 35:20
Jacob marks Rachel's grave with a stone pillar.
What Does Genesis 35:20 Mean?
Jacob's action mirrors his earlier pillars at Bethel, but this one commemorates not a covenant encounter but a beloved wife and the price paid for the covenant's fulfillment. The pillar serves both as a grieving father's memorial and as a marker that would endure for generations, ensuring Rachel would be remembered.
The phrase 'unto this day' indicates that Rachel's tomb remained a known and revered site in Israel long after Jacob's lifetime. This lasting memorial transformed Rachel's death into a place of pilgrimage and remembrance, honoring her role as mother of Benjamin and wife of the patriarch Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 35:20
What does Genesis 35:20 mean?
Jacob places a pillar over Rachel's grave as a memorial, and it marks her burial place to the present day.
What is the context of Genesis 35:20?
Jacob marks Rachel's grave with a stone pillar.